we have gone through this phase and often return to it but i can't offer any advice as Ryan does it when he has a reflux flare up . his throat is sore so he won't eat properly. i know where you are coming from with taking them to eat out though .Ryan will chew it up for ages then literally spit it out , he went through the phase of collecting it like a hamster too ! sometimes though he spits out when he has put too much in . i hope you get some advice .